Using a portable stop sign is one way to deal with short-term contingencies like a power outage or roadway repairs. The MUTCD establishes clear guidelines for using these products. This post will give a high-level introduction to this topic, but more detailed information is available at this website.
Modern traffic signaling devices offer high visibility in addition to many other benefits. However, these capabilities depend upon reliable access to electrical power. This can create significant problems during blackouts or other emergencies. In such cases, authorities may use a portable stop sign.
General Guidelines to Temporary Stop Signs
A variety of conditions can cause the need for Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) measures. These include power outages, natural disasters, civil unrest, sudden deterioration of road conditions, and criminal or terrorist activity. A temporary stop sign is useful in such conditions, but only as part of a comprehensive effort by law enforcement that includes on-site supervision, visibility enhancers and other appropriate measures. A temporary stop sign should only be used by itself when resources are stretched so thin as to make any other precautions impossible or inadvisable. The sign should be removed as soon as conditions permit.
Psychological Factors
Drivers are creatures of habit. They become accustomed to seeing the same conditions day in and day out on a familiar stretch of road. As a temporary stop sign represents a break in this routine, it is important to make these TTC devices high in profile. This will help motorists to recognize the sign and adjust their behavior accordingly.
Additional measures for increased safety
The MUTCD places a portable stop sign under the category of temporary traffic control (TTC) devices. While the protocols for using these products are highly detailed, we can summarize the primary guidelines in simplest terms as follows:
- Only use a portable stop sign or other TTC measure for as limited a period of time as possible. For example, in the case of a mass power outage that affects signal lights, a crew may set up temporary signage and leave it in place until the utility is back up and running
- The portable stop sign should have minimal dimensions of 36” x 36” when facing multiple lanes.
- Use additional devices to increase the portable stop sign’s visibility. Possibilities include flares, solar lights and human traffic guides.
- Try to give advance notice of a portable stop sign so motorists have the opportunity to adjust their driving habits. This will minimize the odds of accidents
- A portable stop sign may be used to manage traffic in school zones. In such cases, the mobile signage should be outfitted with wheels for easy mobility.
- A portable stop sign should be mounted on a welded steel base with bracing rods used to stabilize the assembly.
- When a portable stop sign is used, it should be placed directly in the path of oncoming traffic, and not an on roadsides as with permanent signage.
- A portable stop sign should only be used when other traffic management measures, such as flag persons, mobile powered signage, and high-visibility barricades are either unavailable or impractical.
- Local authorities should, from time to time, review their equipment and policies with an eye towards replacing the portable stop sign with a more effective stop-gap measure as soon as possible.
There is no perfect tool for safeguarding the public during emergency conditions. However, a portable stop sign, like other TTC devices, can make all the difference when it comes to protecting the public.
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